Class 12 Physics Electromagnetic Induction Notes for IIT JEE & NEET

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Summary

These class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes from eSaral explain magnetic flux, Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, motional EMF, induced charge, self and mutual inductance, energy stored in an inductor and eddy currents, with all key formulas and worked examples for CBSE, JEE and NEET.

Electromagnetic Induction Notes Class 12 – JEE & NEET

Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic flux produces an EMF in a circuit. These class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover the full NCERT chapter and the numerical-based topics asked in JEE and NEET. Read the concepts and formulas below, then use the handwritten pages to practise.

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What Is Electromagnetic Induction?

Electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon of generating an EMF (and a current in a closed circuit) when the magnetic flux linked with the circuit changes. Michael Faraday demonstrated it experimentally in 1831. It is the principle behind generators, transformers and induction motors.

Why Does EMI Happen?

A current is induced whenever the magnetic flux linked with a closed circuit changes with time. The change can arise because:

  • The magnitude of the magnetic field B changes.
  • The area of the loop changes (e.g., a sliding rod on rails).
  • The angle between B and the area vector changes (e.g., a rotating coil).

Key Terms to Know Before You Begin

Term

Symbol

Unit

Magnetic Flux

Φ

Weber (Wb)

Induced EMF

ε

Volt (V)

Self-Inductance

L

Henry (H)

Mutual Inductance

M

Henry (H)

Rate of change of flux

dΦ/dt

Wb/s = V

Magnetic Flux: Definition and Formula

Magnetic flux through a surface measures the magnetic field lines passing through it.

$$\Phi = \vec{B}\cdot\vec{A} = BA\cos\theta$$

Here $B$ is the magnetic field (T), $A$ is the area (m²) and $\theta$ is the angle between $\vec{B}$ and the normal to the surface. The flux is maximum, $BA$, at $\theta = 0^\circ$, zero at $\theta = 90^\circ$ and $-BA$ at $\theta = 180^\circ$.

The SI unit is the weber, where 1 Wb = 1 T m² = 1 V s. In CGS, 1 Wb = $10^{8}$ maxwell. The dimensional formula is $[ML^2T^{-2}A^{-1}]$.

Draw the area vector first and then find its angle with the field. This avoids most sign errors in induced EMF problems.

Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic Induction

What does Faraday's First Law state?

Faraday's First Law states that whenever the magnetic flux linked with a circuit changes, an EMF is induced in the circuit. The induced EMF exists only as long as the flux is changing — it disappears the moment flux becomes constant.

What does Faraday's Second Law state?

The magnitude of the induced EMF equals the rate of change of flux. For a coil of $N$ turns:

$$\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$$

The negative sign comes from Lenz’s law. To find the EMF, write the flux at time $t$, differentiate it with respect to $t$, multiply by $-N$, and use Lenz’s law for the direction.

Faraday’s law is the core of class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, so practise the example below until the steps are routine.

Example: a coil of 100 turns and area $0.02\ \text{m}^2$ is perpendicular to a field that falls from 0.5 T to zero in 0.1 s. Then $|\varepsilon| = N\dfrac{A\,\Delta B}{\Delta t} = 100 \times \dfrac{0.02 \times 0.5}{0.1} = 10\ \text{V}$.

Lenz's Law and Conservation of Energy

In class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, Lenz’s law states that the induced current flows in a direction that opposes the change in flux that produces it. This is the reason for the negative sign in $\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$.

How Is Lenz's Law a Consequence of Energy Conservation?

If the induced current aided the change in flux instead of opposing it, the current would increase the flux, which would further increase the current, creating energy from nothing. This violates the law of conservation of energy. Lenz's law ensures that mechanical work must be done against the opposing magnetic force to sustain the induced current.

Lenz's Law Quick Reference

Situation

Change in Flux

Direction of Induced Current

Magnet approaching loop (N-pole first)

Increasing

Opposes approach (repels magnet)

Magnet moving away from loop (N-pole)

Decreasing

Supports magnet (attracts it back)

Current in nearby coil increasing

Increasing

Opposes increase

Current in nearby coil decreasing

Decreasing

Opposes decrease

What Is Motional EMF and How Is It Calculated?

Motional EMF is the EMF induced when a conductor moves through a magnetic field. If a rod of length l moves with velocity v perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B, the free electrons in the rod experience a Lorentz force, creating a potential difference.

Formula:

$$\varepsilon = Blv$$

For a rod making angle θ with the direction of motion:

$$\varepsilon = Blv\sin\theta$$

Motional EMF in a Rotating Rod

For a rod of length l rotating about one end with angular velocity ω in a field B perpendicular to the plane of rotation:

$$\varepsilon = \frac{1}{2}B\omega l^2$$

Power Dissipated in the Circuit

If the rod slides on rails with resistance R:

$$I = \frac{Blv}{R}, \quad P = \frac{B^2l^2v^2}{R}$$

This power equals the rate of work done by the external force maintaining the velocity — again confirming energy conservation.

Motional EMF problems in JEE Advanced frequently combine the sliding rod with a changing external circuit resistance. Always redraw the circuit at each stage and treat the rod as a battery of EMF = Blv with internal resistance = rod's resistance. This model solves 90% of such problems cleanly.


Self-Induction and Mutual Induction

What Is Self-Inductance?

When the current in a coil changes, it changes the magnetic flux through the coil itself, inducing a back-EMF. This property is called self-induction.

$$\varepsilon = -L\frac{dI}{dt}$$

L is the self-inductance (measured in Henry, H). For a solenoid of n turns per unit length, cross-sectional area A, and length l:

$$L = \mu_0 n^2 Al = \frac{\mu_0 N^2 A}{l}$$

Energy stored in an inductor:

$$U = \frac{1}{2}LI^2$$

What Is Mutual Inductance?

When two coils are placed near each other, a changing current in one (primary) coil induces an EMF in the other (secondary) coil. This is mutual induction.

$$\varepsilon_2 = -M\frac{dI_1}{dt}$$

M is the mutual inductance between the two coils. For two coaxial solenoids:

$$M = \mu_0 n_1 n_2 A l$$

Relationship Between M and L

For two coupled coils with self-inductances L₁ and L₂ and coupling coefficient k:

$$M = k\sqrt{L_1 L_2}, \quad 0 \leq k \leq 1$$

Property

Self-Inductance (L)

Mutual Inductance (M)

Cause

Change of own current

Change of current in the nearby coil

Formula (solenoid)

μ₀N²A/l

μ₀n₁n₂Al

Unit

Henry (H)

Henry (H)

Energy stored

½LI²

—

Eddy Currents — Causes and Applications

When a bulk conductor is placed in a changing magnetic field, currents are induced in the body of the conductor itself — not just along a defined path. These circulating currents are called eddy currents (or Foucault currents).

Causes of Eddy Currents

Eddy currents arise due to the same principle as Faraday's law — changing flux through the conductor body. Their magnitude depends on the rate of change of flux and the resistivity of the material.

Applications of Eddy Currents

  • Magnetic braking in trains and roller coasters (contactless, smooth braking)
  • Induction heating in industrial furnaces and induction cooktops
  • Speedometers in vehicles (Weston eddy current type)
  • Energy meters (electricity consumption measurement)

How Are Eddy Currents Minimised?

Eddy currents cause energy loss as heat. To minimise them, transformer cores and motor armatures are made of thin laminated sheets insulated from each other, reducing the effective area and hence the magnitude of eddy currents.

Topic-Wise Exam Weightage Table

Sub-Topic

JEE Main (Expected Marks)

NEET (Questions)

Question Type

Faraday's Law & Lenz's Law

4 marks

1 MCQ

Conceptual + numerical

Motional EMF

4 marks

1 MCQ

Numerical

Self-Inductance

4 marks

0–1 MCQ

Formula-based

Mutual Inductance

4 marks

0–1 MCQ

Formula-based

Eddy Currents

0–4 marks

0–1 MCQ

Conceptual

Energy in Inductor

0–4 marks

1 MCQ

Numerical

Based on NTA JEE Main question paper analysis and NEET official question papers. Always verify the latest syllabus at ntaexam.com.

How to Revise Class 12 Physics Electromagnetic Induction Notes

Electromagnetic Induction Notes

The pages below are handwritten class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes. Use them along with the formulas above for quick revision.

Electromagnetic Induction Class 12

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Faraday's Experiment
Faradays Law of EMI

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Self Induction

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover?

Class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover magnetic flux, Faraday’s laws, Lenz’s law, motional EMF, induced charge, inductance, eddy currents and energy stored in an inductor. eSaral’s notes give the formulas and worked examples for each topic.

How do you apply Lenz’s law to find the direction of induced current?

In class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes, direction is always found after the magnitude. Check whether the flux is increasing or decreasing. The induced current creates a field that opposes the increase, or supports the original flux when it decreases. The right-hand thumb rule then gives the current direction.

What is the difference between Faraday’s first and second law of electromagnetic induction?

The first law says an EMF is induced whenever the flux linked with a circuit changes. The second law gives its size: $\varepsilon = -N\dfrac{d\Phi}{dt}$. The second law is the one used in numerical problems.

What is the difference between self-inductance and mutual inductance?

Self-inductance is the property of a single coil opposing change in its own current, with $\varepsilon = -L\dfrac{dI}{dt}$. Mutual inductance links two coils, with $\varepsilon_2 = -M\dfrac{dI_1}{dt}$. Both are measured in henry.

How do you calculate the charge induced in a loop?

Use $q = \dfrac{N\,|\Delta\Phi|}{R}$. The charge depends on the total change in flux and the resistance, and not on the time taken.

Is electromagnetic induction important for JEE Main and NEET?

Yes. Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law, motional EMF and inductance are core topics, and the chapter links to alternating current. Check recent previous year papers for the current question pattern. eSaral’s class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes cover these topics.

Where can I revise class 12 physics electromagnetic induction notes quickly?

Use the formula sections and handwritten pages on this eSaral page, then practise the NCERT exercises. The eSaral app also offers video lectures and study material for Class 12 Physics.

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